ELECTED 


RAYERS 

for 


£i 


ENT 


REV.  JAMES  M.  GILLIS,  C.S.P. 


Fortieth  Thousand 


Vltbil  i^betat 


ARTHUR  J.  SCANLAN,  S.T.D. 

Censor  Librorum 


Imprimatur : 

+ PATRICK  JOSEPH  HAYES,  D.D 
Archbishop  of  New  York 


New  York,  January  24,  1923. 


SELECTED  PRAYERS 
FOR  LENT 


Compiled  Mainly  from 
Liturgical  Sources 


BY 

REV.  JAMES  M.  GILLIS,  C.S.P. 


New  York 

THE  PAULIST  PEESS 
401  West  59tli  Street 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 

Act  of  Contrition 5 

Apostles’  Greed 3 

CONFITEOR 4 

Daily  Prayers  3 

Evening  Hymn 6 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  Etc. 5 

Hail  Mary 3 

Lenten  Hymns  17,  28 

Litany  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary 7 

Litany  of  the  Saints 9 

Morning  Hymn  5 

Our  Father 3 

Seven  Penitential  Psalms 30 

Seven  Words  Upon  the  Cross 43 

Special  Prayers  for  the  Days  of  Lent  18 

Spirit  of  Lent 16 

Stations  of  the  Cross 41 


30ailp  drapers; 


TN  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 

Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Amen, 

Our  Father,  Who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed 
be  Thy  name:  Thy  kingdom  come:  Thy 
will  be  done  on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven. 
Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread:  and  for- 
give us  our  trespasses  as  we  forgive  those 
who  trespass  against  us.  And  lead  us  not 
into  temptation:  but  deliver  us  from  evil. 
Amen, 

Hail,  Mary,  full  of  grace;  the  Lord  is 
with  thee:  blessed  art  thou  among  women, 
and  blessed  is  the  fruit  of  thy  womb,  Jesus. 
Holy  Mary,  Mother  of  God,  pray  for  us  sin- 
ners, now  and  at  the  hour  of  our  death. 
Amen, 

I believe  in  God,  the  Father  Almighty, 
Creator  of  heaven  and  earth;  and  in  Jesus 
Christ,  His  only  Son,  Our  Lord:  Who  was 
conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born  of  the 
Virgin  Mary,  suffered  under  Pontius  Pilate, 
was  crucified;  died,  and  was  buried.  He 
descended  into  hell;  the  third  day  He 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


arose  again  from  the  dead;  He  ascended 
into  heaven,  sitteth  at  the  right  hand  of 
God  the  Father  Almighty;  from  thence  He 
shall  come  to  judge  the  living  and  the 
dead.  I believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  the 
Holy  Catholic  Church,  the  Communion  of 
Saints,  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  the  resur- 
rection of  the  body,  and  the  life  everlast- 
ing. Amen. 

I confess  to  Almighty  God,  to  blessed 
Mary  ever  Virgin,  to  blessed  Michael  the 
Archangel,  to  blessed  John  the  Baptist,  to 
the  holy  Apostles  Peter  and  Paul,  and  to 
all  the  Saints,  that  I have  sinned  exceed- 
ingly in  thought,  word,  and  deed,  through 
my  fault,  through  my  fault,  through  my 
most  grievous  fault.  Therefore  I beseech 
blessed  Mary  ever  Virgin,  blessed  Michael 
the  Archangel,  blessed  John  the  Baptist,  the 
holy  Apostles  Peter  and  Paul,  and  all  the 
Saints,  to  pray  to  the  Lord  our  God  for  me. 

May  Almighty  God  have  mercy  upon,  us, 
and  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  bring  us  unto 
life  everlasting. 

Amen. 

May  the  Almighty  and  merciful  Lord 
grant  us  pardon,  absolution,  and  remission 
of  our  sins. 

Amen. 


— 4 — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to  the  Son, 
and  to  the  Holy  Ghost.  As  it  was  in  the 
i beginning,  is  now,  and  ever  shall  be,  world 
without  end.  Amen. 

I 


an  act  of  Contrition 

^ MY  God  I I am  heartily  sorry  for  having 
" offended  Thee,  and  I detest  all  my 
sins,  because  I dread  the  loss  of  heaven 
and  the  pains  of  hell,  but  most  of  all  be- 
cause they  offend  Thee,  my  God,  Who  art 
all-good  and  deserving  of  all  my  love.  I 
firmly  resolve,  with  the  help  of  Thy  grace, 
to  confess  my  sins,  to  do  penance,  and  to 
amend  my  life.  Amen. 


iWornms  Jlpmn 

rPHE  star  of  morn  to  night  succeeds; 

We  therefore  meekly  pray, 

May  God,  in  all  our  words  and  deeds. 
Keep  up  from  harm  this  day. 

May  He  in  love  restrain  us  still 
From  tones  of  strife  and  words  of  ill. 
And  wrap  around  and  close  our  eyes 
To  earth’s  absorbing  vanities. 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


May  wrath  and  thoughts  that  gender  shame 
Ne’er  in  our  breasts  abide, 

And  painful  abstinences  tame 
Of  wanton  flesh  the  pride; 

So  when  the  weary  day  is  o’er, 

And  night  and  stillness  come  once  more. 
Blameless  and  clean  from  spot  of  earth 
We  may  repeat  with  reverent  mirth — 

To  God  the  Father  glory  be, 

And  to  His  Only  Son, 

And  to  the  Spirit,  One  and  Three, 

While  endless  ages  run.  Amen, 


Cbening  llpmn 

"^OW  that  the  daylight  dies  away. 

By  all  Thy  grace  and  love. 

Thee,  Maker  of  the  world,  we  pray 
To  watch  our  bed  above. 

Let  dreams  depart  and  phantoms  fly. 

The  offspring  of  the  night; 

Keep  us,  like  shrines,  beneath  Thine  eye. 
Pure  in  our  foes’  despite. 

This  grace  on  Thy  redeemed  confer. 
Father,  Co-equal  Son, 

And  Holy  Ghost,  the  Comforter, 

Eternal  Three  in  One.  Amen,- 


— 6 — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


TLitanp  of  tfje  Virgin  iWarp 

l^E  fly  to  thy  patronage,  O holy  Mother 
of  God.  Despise  not  our  petitions  in 
our  necessities:  but  deliver  us  from  all 
dangers,  O ever  glorious  and  blessed  Virgin. 


Lord,  have  mercy  on  us. 
Christ,  have  mercy  on 
us. 

Lord,  have  mercy  on  us. 
Christ,  hear  us. 

Christ,  graciously  hear 
us, 

God  the  Father  of 
heaven,  have  mercy 
on  us, 

God  the  Son,  Redeemer 
of  the  world,  have 
mercy  on  us, 

God  the  Holy  Ghost, 
have  mercy  on  us. 
Holy  Trinity,  one  God, 
have  mercy  on  us. 

Holy  Mary,  pray  for  us. 

Holy  Mother  of  God, 
Holy  Virgin  of  vir-  | 
gins,  5 

Mother  of  Christ,  e 

Mother  of  divine  grace. 
Mother  most  pure,  ^ 
Mother  most  chaste, 
Mother  Inviolate,  g 

Mother  undeflled,  | 

Mother  most  amiable,  J 


Mother  most  admir-  ^ 
able. 

Mother  of  good  counsel. 
Mother  of  our  Creator, 
Mother  of  our  Saviour, 
Virgin  most  prudent. 
Virgin  most  venerable 
Virgin  most  renowned. 
Virgin  most  powerful. 
Virgin  most  merciful. 
Virgin  most  faithful. 
Mirror  of  justice. 

Seat  of  wisdom. 

Cause  of  our  joy. 
Spiritual  vessel. 

Vessel  of  honor. 
Singular  vessel  of  de- 
votion. 

Mystical  rose. 

Tower  of  David, 

Tower  of  ivory. 

House  of  gold. 

Ark  of  the  covenant. 
Gate  of  heaven. 
Morning  star. 

Health  of  the  sick. 
Refuge  of  sinners. 
Comforter  of  the  af* 
flicted. 

Help  of  Christians, 
Queen  of  Angels, 

Queen  of  Patriarchs, 


— 7 — 


-Pray  for  us- 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


Queen  of  Prophets,  'tJ 

Queen  of  Apostles,  2 

Queen  of  Martyrs, 

Queen  of  Confessors,  ^ 
Queen  of  Virgins, 

Queen  of  all  Saints,  § 


Queen  conceived  with- 
out  original  sin,  2 
Queen  of  the  most  holy'® 
Rosary,  *2* 

Queen  of  peace, 


Lamb  of  God,  Who  takes!  away  the  sins 
of  the  world,  spare  us,  O Lord, 

Lamb  of  God,  Who  takes!  away  the  sins 
of  the  world,  graciously  hear  us,  O Lord, 
Lamb  of  God,  Who  takes!  away  the  sins 
of  the  world,  have  mercy  on  us, 

V,  Pray  for  us,  O holy  Mother  of  God. 

R,  That  we  may  be  made  worthy  of  the 
promises  of  Christ. 


Let  Us  Pray, 

Pour  forth,  we  beseech  Thee,  O Lord,  Thy 
grace  into  our  hearts;  that  we  to  whom  the 
Incarnation  of  Christ  Thy  Son  was  made 
known  by  the  message  of  an  Angel,  may, 
by  His  Passion  and  Cross,  be  brought  to  the 
glory  of  His  Resurrection;  through  the  same 
Christ  Our  Lord.  Amen, 

V,  May  the  divine  assistance  remain  al- 
ways with  us. 

R,  Amen. 


— 8 — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


Hitanp  of  tfje  faints 


Lord,  have  mercy  on  us. 
Christ,  have  mercy  on 
us. 

Lord,  have  mercy  on  us. 
Christ,  hear  us. 

Christ,  graciously  hear 
us, 

God  the  Father  of 
heaven,  have  mercy 
on  us. 

God  the  Son,  Redeemer 
of  the  world,  have 
mercy  on  us. 

God  the  Holy  Ghost, 
have  mercy  on  us. 
Holy  Trinity,  one  God, 
have  mercy  on  us. 

Holy  Mary, 

Holy  Mother  of  God, 
Holy  Virgin  of  virgins, 
St.  Michael, 

St.  Gabriel, 

St.  Raphael, 

All  ye  holy  Angels  and 
Archangels,  2 

All  ye  holy  orders  of^ 
blessed  Spirits,  ^ 

St.  John  the  Baptist,  § 
St.  Joseph, 

All  ye  holy  Patriarchs  S 
and  Prophets, 

St.  Peter, 

St.  Paul, 

St.  Andrew, 

?,t.  James, 

St.  John, 


St.  Thomas, 

St.  James, 

St.  Philip, 

St.  Bartholomew, 

St.  Matthew, 

St.  Simon, 

St.  Thaddeus, 

St.  Matthias, 

St.  Barnabas, 

St.  Luke, 

St.  Mark, 

All  ye  holy  Apostles 
and  Evangelists, 

All  ye  holy  Disciples 
of  the  Lord, 

All  ye  holy  Innocents, 
St.  Stephen, 

St.  Lawrence, 

St.  Vincent, 

SS.  Fabian  and  Sebas- 
tian, 

SS.  John  and  Paul, 

SS.  Cosmas  and  Da- 
mian, 

SS.  Gervase  and  Pro- 
tase. 

All  ye  holy  Martyrs, 
St.  Sylvester, 

St.  Gregory, 

St.  Ambrose, 

St.  Augustine, 

St.  Jerome, 

St.  Martin, 

St.  Nicholas, 

All  ye  holy  Bishops  and 
Confessors, 

All  ye  holy  Doctors, 

St.  Anthony, 

St.  Benedict. 


— 9 — 


-Pray  for  us- 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


St.  Bernard, 

St.  Dominic, 

St.  Francis, 

All  ye  holy  Priests  and 
Levites, 

All  ye  holy  Monks  and 
Hermits,  ^ 

St.  Mary  Magdalen, 

St.  Agatha,  o' 

St.  Lucy, 

St.  Agnes,  c 

St.  Cecilia, 

St.  Catherine, 

St.  Anastasia, 

All  ye  holy  Virgins  and 
Widows, 

All  ye  holy  Saints  of 

God, 

Make  intercession  for  us. 
Be  merciful. 

Spare  us,  O Lord. 

Be  merciful. 

Graciously  hear  us,  O 

Lord. 


From  all  evil. 
From  all  sin. 

From  Thy  wrath. 
From  sudden  and 
looked-for  death. 
From  the  snares 
the  devil. 

From  anger,  and 
tred,  and  every 
will. 

From  the  spirit  of 
ni  cation. 

From  lightning 
tempest. 


1 


of  0. 

ha-  2. 
evil 

for-  p 
c« 

and 


From  everlasting  death. 
Through  the  mystery 
of  Thy  holy  Incar- 
nation, 

Through  Thy  Coming, 
Through  Thy  Birth, 
Through  Thy  Baptism 
and  holy  Fasting, 
Through  Thy  Cross 
and  Passion, 

Through  Thy  Death 
and  Burial, 

Through  Thy  holy 
Resurrection, 

Through  Thine  admi- 
rable Ascension, 
Through  the  coming  of 
the  Holy  Ghost  the 
Paraclete, 

In  the  day  of  judgmen 
O Lord,  deliver  us. 

We  sinners. 

Beseech  Thee,  hear  us. 

That  Thou  wouldst 

spare  us. 

That  Thou  wouldst 

pardon  us. 

That  Thou  wouldst 

bring  us  to  true  pen- 
ance. 

That  Thou  wouldst 

vouchsafe  to  govern 
and  preserve  Thy 
holy  Church, 

That  Thou  wouldst 

vouchsafe  to  pre- 
serve our  Apostolic 

Prelate  and  all  or-  b 
ders  of  the  Church 
In  holy  religion,  J 


— 10  — 


■O  Lord,  deliver  us ^ ^ , — We  beseech  Thee,  hear 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


That  Thou  wouldst " 
vouchsafe  to  hum- 
ble the  enemies  of 
holy  Church, 

That  Thou  wouldst  ^ 
vouchsafe  to  give  ^ 
peace  and  true  con-  ^ 
cord  to  Christian  g 
kings  and  princes,  ^ 
That  Thou  wouldst  g, 
vouchsafe  to  grant  ^ 
peace  and  unity  to  § 
the  whole  Christian  g 
world. 

That  Thou  wouldst  §* 
vouchsafe  to  con-  ^ 
firm  and  preserve  us 
in  Thy  holy  service,  S 
That  Thou  wouldst 
lift  up  our  minds  to 
heavenly  desires. 

That  Thou  wouldst 


render  eternal  bless- ^ 
Ings  to  all  our  bene- 
factors. 

That  Thou  wouldst  de- 
liver our  souls,  and 
the  souls  of  our 
brethren,  relations, 
and  benefactors, 
from  eternal  dam- 
nation. 

That  Thou  wouldst 
vouchsafe  to  give 
and  preserve  the 
fruits  of  the  earth. 
That  Thou  wouldst 
vouchsafe  to  grant 
eternal  rest  to  all 
the  faithful  departed,  S 
That  Thou  wouldst 
vouchsafe  graciously 
to  hear  us. 

Son  of  God, 


Lamb  of  God,  Who  takes!  away  the  sins 
of  the  world,  spare  us,  O Lord. 

Lamb  of  God,  Who  takes!  away  the  sins 
of  the  world,  graciously  hear  us,  0 Lord. 

Lamb  of  God,  Who  takes!  away  the  sins 
of  the  world,  have  mercy  on  us. 

Christ  hear  us,  Christ  graciously  hear  us. 

Lord  have  mercy  on  us,  Christ  have 
mercy  on  us. 

Lord  have  mercy  on  us. 

Our  Father  (inaudibly). 

V.  And  lead  us  not  into  temptation. 

/?.  Rut  deliver  us  from  evil. 


We  beseech  Thee,  hear 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


Gome  unto  my  help,  O God:  O Lord, 
make  haste  to  help  me. 

Let  them  be  ashamed  and  put  to  con- 
fusion that  seek  after  my  soul: 

Let  them  be  turned  backward  and  blush 
for  shame:  that  wish  me  evil. 

Let  them  be  presently  turned  away 
blushing  for  shame:  that  say  to  me.  Aha, 
aha. 

Let  a'll  those  that  seek  Thee  rejoice,  and 
be  glad  in  Thee:  and  let  such  as  love  Thy 
salvation  say  always.  The  Lord  be  magni- 
fied. 

But  I am  poor  and  needy:  help  me,  O 
God. 

Thou  art  my  helper  and  my  deliverer: 
O Lord,  make  no  delay. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  etc. 

V.  Save  Thy  servants. 

/?.  O my  God,  who  put  their  trust  in 
Thee. 

V,  Be  unto  us,  0 Lord,  a tower  of 
strength. 

R.  From  the  face  of  the  enemy. 

y.  Let  not  the  enemy  prevail  against  us. 

R.  Nor  the  son  of  iniquity  draw  nigh  to 
hurt  us. 

V.  O Lord,  deal  not  with  us  after  our 
sins. 


— 12  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


/?.  Neither  reward  us  according  to  our 
iniquities. 

V,  Let  us  pray  for  our  Sovereign  Pon- 
tiff, N. 

/?.  The  Lord  preserve  him  and  give  him 
life,  and  make  him  blessed  upon  the  earth; 
and  deliver  him  not  up  to  the  will  of  his 
enemies. 

y.  Let  us  pray  for  our  benefactors. 

i?.  Vouchsafe,  O Lord,  to  reward  with 
eternal  life  all  those  who  do  us  good,  for 
Thy  name’s  sake.  Amen, 

y.  Let  us  pray  for  the  faithful  departed. 

R,  Eternal  rest  grant  unto  them,  0 Lord; 
and  let  perpetual  light  shine  upon  them. 

y.  May  they  rest  in  peace. 

R,  Amen. 

y.  For  our  absent  brethren. 

R,  Save  Thy  servants,  O my  God,  who 
put  their  trust  in  Thee. 

y.  Send  them  help,  O Lord,  from  Thy 
holy  place. 

R,  And  defend  them  out  of  Sion. 

y.  O Lord,  hear  my  prayer. 

R,  And  let  my  cry  come  unto  Thee. 

Let  us  pray, 

O God,  Whose  property  is  always  to 
have  mercy  and  to  spare:  graciously  re- 
ceive our  supplication;  that  we,  and  all 


— 13  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


Thy  servants  whom  the  chain  of  sin  doth 
bind,  may,  by  the  compassion  of  Thy  lov- 
ing-kindness, be  mercifully  absolved. 

Graciously  hear,  we  beseech  Thee,  O 
Lord,  the  prayers  of  Thy  humble  servants, 
and  forgive  the  sins  of  those  who  confess 
to  Thee;  that,  in  Thy  bounty.  Thou  mayest 
grant  us  both  pardon  and  peace. 

Show  forth  upon  us,  O Lord,  in  Thy 
mercy.  Thine  unspeakable  pity;  that  Thou 
mayest  both  loose  us  from  all  our  sins, 
and  deliver  us  from  the  punishments  which 
we  deserve  for  the  same. 

0 God,  Who  by  sin  art  offended,  and  by 
penance  appeased:  look  graciously  down 
upon  the  prayers  of  Thy  people  making 
supplication  to  Thee,  arid  turn  away  the 
scourges  of  Thy  wrath,  which  for  our  sins 
we  deserve. 

Almighty,  Everlasting  God,  have  mercy 
upon  Thy  servant  N.,  our  Sovereign  Pon- 
tiff, and  direct  him,  according  to  Thy 
mercy,  in  the  way  of  everlasting  salva- 
tion; that  by  Thy  gift  he  may  desire  such 
things  as  please  Thee,  and  may  fulfill  them 
with  all  his  strength. 

O God,  from  Whom  are  holy  desires, 
right  counsels,  and  just  works:  give  unto 
Thy  servants  that  peace  which  the  world 
cannot  give;  that  our  hearts  being  given 


— 14  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


to  the  keeping  of  Thy  commandments,  and 
the  fear  of  enemies  being  removed,  our 
days,  by  Thy  protection,  may  be  peaceful. 

Inflame,  0 Lord,  our  reins  and  our  hearts 
with  the  fire  of  the  Holy  Ghost:  that  we 
may  serve  Thee  with  a chaste  body,  and 
please  Thee  with  a pure  mind. 

0 God,  the  Creator  and  Redeemer  of  all 
the  faithful,  grant  unto  the  souls  of  Thy 
servants  and  handmaids  remission  of  all 
their  sins;  that  through  our  pious  suppli- 
cations they  may  obtain  the  pardon  which 
they  have  always  desired. 

Direct,  we  beseech  Thee,  O Lord,  our 
actions  by  Thy  inspiration,  and  further 
them  with  Thy  continual  help;  that  every 
prayer  and  work  of  ours  may  always  begin 
from  Thee,  and  through  Thee  be  brought 
to  an  end. 

Almighty,  Everlasting  God,  Who  hast  do- 
minion over  the  living  and  the  dead,  and 
showest  mercy  unto  all  whom  Thou  fore- 
knowest  will  be  Thine  by  faith  and  works: 
we  humbly  beseech  Thee  that  they  for 
whom  we  have  resolved  to  pour  forth  our 
prayers,  whether  this  present  world  still 
detain  them  in  the  flesh,  or  the  world  to 
come  hath  already  received  them  stripped 
of  their  bodies,  may,  by  the  grace  of  Thy 
fatherly  love,  and  through  the  intercession 


— 15  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


of  all  the  Saints,  obtain  the  remission  of 
all  their  sins.  Through  Our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  etc. 
i?.  Amen. 

y.  O Lord,  hear  my  prayer. 

/?.  And  let  my  cry  come  unto  Thee, 
y.  May  the  Almighty  and  merciful  Lord 
graciously  hear  us. 
i?.  Amen. 

y.  And  may  the  souls  of  the  faithful  de- 
parted, through  the  mercy  of  God,  rest  in 
peace. 

R.  Amen. 


spirit  of  TLtnt 

T ET  us  change  our  garments  for  ashes  and 
^ sackcloth:  let  us  fast  and  lament  be- 
fore the  Lord:  for  our  God  is  very  merci- 
ful to  forgive  our  sins. 

Between  the  porch  and  the  altar,  the 
priests,  the  Lord’s  ministers,  shall  weep, 
and  shall  say:  Spare,  O Lord,  spare  Thy 
people:  and  shut  not  the  mouths  of  those 
who  sing  to  Thee,  O Lord. 

i?.  Let  us  change  for  the  better  in  those 
things  in  which  we  have  sinned  through 
ignorance:  lest  we  be  suddenly  overtaken 
by  the  day  of  death,  and  seek  space  for 
penance,  and  find  it  not:  Hear,  O Lord, 


— 16  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


and  have  mercy:  for  we  have  sinned 
against  Thee. 

V.  Help  us,  O God  our  Saviour:  and  for 
the  honor  of  Thy  name,  O Lord,  deliver  us. 
Hear,  0 Lord,  etc. 

y.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  etc.  Hear,  etc. 

Eenten 

^ MAKER  of  the  world,  give  earl 
^ Accept  the  prayer,  and  own  the  tear, 
Towards  Thy  seat  of  mercy  sent. 

In  this  most  holy  fast  of  Lent. 

Each  heart  is  manifest  to  Thee: 

Thou  knowest  our  infirmity: 

Forgive  Thou  then  each  soul  that  fain 
Would  seek  to  Thee,  and  turn  again. 

Our  sins  are  manifold  and  sore; 

But  pardon  them  that  sin  deplore; 

And,  for  Thy  name’s  sake,  make  each  soul, 
That  feels  and  owns  its  languor,  whole. 

So  mortify  we  every  sense 
By  grace  of  outward  abstinence. 

That  from  each  stain  and  spot  of  sin 
The  soul  may  keep  her  fast  within. 

Grant,  O Thou  blessed  Trinity, 

Grant,  O Essential  Unity, 

That  this  our  fast  of  forty  days 

May  work  our  profit  and  Thy  praise.  Amen. 


— 17  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


Special  drapers  for  tlje  JBapfi  of  Hent 

(The  Prayer  is  in  each  case  the  Collect  of  the  day.) 

1 

ASH  WEDNESDAY. 

^RANT,  O Lord,  that  Thy  faithful  people 
" may  begin  the  venerable  solemnities 
of  fasting  with  suitable  piety,  and  carry 
them  through  with  tranquil  devotion. 
Through  Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  Who  liveth 
and  reigneth  with  Thee  in  the  unity  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  God,  world  without  end.  Amen. 

2 

O God,  Who  by  sin  art  offended,  and  by 
repentance  pacified:  mercifully  regard  the 
prayers  of  Thy  people  making  supplication 
to  Thee,  and  turn  away  the  scourges  of 
Thy  wrath,  which  we  deserve  for  our  sins. 

3 

Do  Thou,  we  beseech  Thee,  0 Lord,  gra- 
ciously help  us  on  in  the  fasts  which  we 
have  begun:  that  the  observance  which  we 
practise  in  the  body,  we  may  also  carry 
on  with  sincere  minds. 

4 

Give  ear,  O Lord,  to  our  supplications, 
and  grant  that  we  may  with  devout  serv- 


— 18  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


ice  celebrate  this  solemn  fast,  which  has 
been  ordained  as  a healthful  remedy  for 
body  and  soul. 


5 

FIRST  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 

0 God,  Who  purifiest  Thy  Church  by 
the  yearly  fast  of  Lent:  grant  to  Thy  fam- 
ily that  what  we  endeavor  to  obtain  from 
Thee  by  abstinence,  we  may  secure  by 
good  works. 


6 

Convert  us,  O God  of  our  salvation:  and 
that  this  Lenten  fast  may  profit  us,  instruct 
our  minds  in  heavenly  knowledge. 

7 

Look  down  upon  Thy  family,  0 Lord: 
and  grant  that  we  who  punish  ourselves 
by  mortification  of  the  flesh,  may  have  our 
minds  shining  before  Thee,  with  the  de- 
sire of  Thee. 


8 and  9 

Graciously  regard,  we  beseech  Thee,  O 
Lord,  the  devotion  of  Thy  people:  that 
they  who  by  abstinence  mortify  their 
bodies,  may  in  mind  be  refreshed  by  the 
fruit  of  good  works. 


— 19  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


10 

Be  Thou,  O Lord,  propitious  to  Thy  peo- 
ple; and  out  of  Thy  compassion  cheer  with 
gracious  help  those  whom  Thou  dost  ren- 
der devoted  to  Thee. 


11 

The  prayers  of  Thy  people,  do  Thou,  O 
Lord,  graciously  hear;  that  we  who  are 
justly  afflicted  for  our  sins,  may  for  the 
glory  of  Thy  Name,  be  mercifully  de- 
livered. 


12 

SECOND  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 

O God,  Who  seest  us  to  be  destitute  of 
strength,  do  Thou  both  inwar  ily  and  out- 
wardly keep  us;  that  in  body  we  may  be 
defended  from  all  adversities,  and  in  mind 
cleansed  from  evil  thoughts. 

13 

Grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  Almighty  God, 
that  we  Thy  family,  who,  to  punish  our 
bodies,  abstain  from  food,  may,  by  striving 
after  justice,  keep  free  from  sin. 

14 

Graciously  perfect  within  us,  we  be- 
seech Thee,  0 Lord,,  the  help  given  us  in 


— 20  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


this  holy  observance:  that  we,  who, 
through  Thine  example,  know  that  we 
ought  to  undertake  this  fast,  may  accom- 
plish it,  through  Thy  working. 

15 

Mercifully  regard  Thy  people,  we  be- 
seech Thee,  O Lord;  and  grant  that  they 
whom  Thou  commandest  to  abstain  from 
carnal  food,  may  also  cease  from  noxious 
vices. 


16 

Grant  us,  we  beseech  Thee,  O Lord,  the 
help  of  Thy  grace;  that  duly  intent  on 
fasting  and  prayer,  we  may  be  delivered 
from  the  enemies  of  mind  and  body. 

17 

Grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  Almighty  God, 
that  by  the  purifying  power  of  this  sacred 
fast,  Thou  wouldst  make  us  to  arrive  with 
sincere  minds  at  the  coming  holy  festivities* 

18 

Grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  O Lord,  a sal- 
utary effect  to  our  fasts:  that  the  mortify- 
ing of  the  flesh  which  we  have  undertaken, 
may  promote  the  quickening  of  our  souls. 


— 21  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


19 

THIRD  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 

We  beseech  Thee,  Almighty  God:  regard 
the  desires  of  those  that  humble  them- 
selves, and  for  our  defense,  stretch  forth 
the  right  hand  of  Thy  Majesty. 

20 

Graciously  pour  forth,  we  beseech  Thee, 
O Lord,  Thy  grace  into  our  hearts:  that  as 
we  abstain  from  carnal  food,  so  also  we 
may  draw  back  our  senses  from  hurtful 
excesses. 


21 

Graciously  hear  us.  Almighty  and  Merci- 
ful God;  and  propitiously  grant  to  us  the 
* gift  of  a salutary  temperance. 

22 

Grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  O Lord,  that 
trained  by  this  salutary  fasting,  and  ab- 
staining also  from  hurtful  vices,  we  may 
the  more  readily  obtain  Thy  mercy. 

23 

May  this  solemn  commemoration  of  the 
martyrdom  of  Thy  Saints,  Cosmas  and 
Damianus,  glorify  Thee,  O Lord;  whereby 
Thou  didst  out  of  Thine  unspeakable  prov- 


— 22  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


idence,  both  grant  everlasting  glory  to  them 
and  help  to  us. 


24 

Do  Thou,  we  beseech  Thee,  O Lord,  help 
on  our  fasting  with  Thy  bounteous  favor; 
that  even  as  in  body  we  abstain  from  food, 
so  in  mind  we  may  refrain  from  vices. 

25 

Grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  Almighty  God, 
that  they  who,  to  afflict  their  flesh,  abstain 
from  food,  may,  by  following  justice,  fast 
from  sin. 


26 

FOURTH  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 

Grant,  we  seseech  Thee,  Almighty  God, 
that  we  who  justly  suffer  for  our  deeds, 
may  be  relieved  by  the  comfort  of  Thy 
grace. 


27 

Grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  Almighty  God, 
that  devoutly  performing  these  sacred  and 
annual  observances,  we  may  please  Thee 
both  in  mind  and  in  body. 

28 

May  the  fasts  of  this  sacred  observance 
obtain  for  us,  we  beseech  Thpe,  O Lord, 


— 23  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


both  an  increase  in  the  piety  of  our  lives, 
and  the  ever-present  help  of  Thy  propiti- 
ation. 


29 

O God,  Who  both  grantest  to  the  just  the 
rewards  of  their ^ merits,  and  to  sinners 
pardon  through  fasting:  have  mercy  upon 
Thy  suppliants,  that  the  confession  of  our 
guilt  may  avail  to  obtain  for  us  the  pardon 
of  our  offenses. 


30 

Grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  Almighty  God, 
that  we,  whom  our  votive  fasts  do  chastise, 
may  also  be  gladdened  by  this  holy  devo- 
tion: that  by  the  weakening  of  earthly  af- 
fections, we  may  more  readily  lay  hold  of 
heavenly  things. 


31 

0 God,  Who  renewest  the  world  by 
means  of  wonderful  Sacraments:  grant, 
we  beseech  Thee,  that  Thy  Church  may 
both  profit  by  Thine  eternal  institutions, 
and  not  be  deprived  of  temporal  help. 

32 

May  the  affection  of  our  devotion,  we 
beseech  Thee,  O Lord,  be  made  fruitful  by 


— 24  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


Thy  grace;  for  then  shall  the  fasts  which 
we  have  undertaken  profit  us,  if  they  are 
pleasing  to  Thy  bounty. 

33 

PASSION  SUNDAY. 

We  beseech  Thee,  Almighty  God,  merci- 
fully look  upon  Thy  family:  that  by  Thy 
bounty  it  may  be  governed  in  body,  and 
by  Thy  protection  guarded  in  mind. 

34 

Sanctify  our  fasts,  we  beseech  Thee,  0 
Lord;  and  mercifully  grant  to  us  the  par- 
don of  all  our  faults. 

35 

May  our  fasts  be  acceptable  to  Thee,  O 
Lord,  we  beseech  Thee;  these  fasts  which, 
by  making  expiation  for  our  sins,  may,  we 
trust,  render  us  worthy  of  Thy  grace,  and 
likewise  lead  us  to  the  everlasting  remedies. 

36 

Having  sanctified  this  our  fast,  do  Thou, 
O God,  mercifully  enlighten  the  hearts  of 
Thy  faithful:  and  graciously  grant  a fa- 
vorable hearing  to  the  prayers  of  those 
upon  whom  Thou  bestowest  the  sentiments 
of  devotion. 


— 25  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


37 

Grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  Almighty  God, 
that  the  dignity  of  our  human  nature,  im- 
paired by  excess,  may  be  reformed  by  the 
pursuit  of  a health-giving  moderation. 

38 

Graciously  pour  forth  Thy  grace  into  our 
hearts,  we  beseech  Thee,  O Lord:  that  re- 
pressing our  sins  by  a voluntary  chastise- 
ment, we  may  rather  suffer  in  this  life, 
than  be  condemned  to  eternal  punishment. 

39 

May  the  people  that  is  dedicated  to  Thee 
progress,  we  beseech  Thee,  O Lord,  in  the 
sentiments  of  a pious  devotion,  that  in- 
structed in  these  sacred  Mysteries,  the 
more  they  become  pleasing  to  Thy  Majesty, 
the  more  they  may  abound  in  choicest 
gifts. 


40 

PALM  SUNDAY. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  Who  didst 
cause  Our  Saviour  to  take  upon  Him  our 
flesh,  and  suffer  on  the  Cross,  that  all  man- 
kind might  have  His  example  of  humility 
for  their  imitation : grant  that  we  may  both 
keep  in  mind  the  lessons  of  His  patience. 


— 26  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


and  be  made  partakers  of  His  Resurrec- 
tion. 


41 

Grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  Almighty  God, 
that  we  who  through  our  infirmity  fail  in 
so  many  difficulties,  may  breathe  anew 
through  the  interceding  Passion  of  Thy 
Son. 


42 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  grant  that 
we  may  so  celebrate  the  mysteries  of  the 
Lord’s  Passion,  as  to  deserve  to  obtain  Thy 
pardon. 


43 

Grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  Almighty  God, 
that  we,  who  by  reason  of  our  excesses  are 
unceasingly  afflicted,  may  obtain  deliver- 
ance through  the  Passion  of  Thine  only- 
begotten  Son. 


44  and  45. 

O God,  from  Whom  on  the  one  hand 
Judas  received  the  punishment  of  his 
crime,  and  the  Thief  on  the  other  obtained 
the  reward  of  his  confession:  grant  us  the 
effect  of  Thy  mercy;  that  even  as  Our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  during  His  Passion,  thus 

— 27  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


dealt  out  to  each  the  different  wages  of 
their  deserts,  so,  having  destroyed  in  us 
the  errors  of  our  old  nature,  He  would 
grant  us  the  grace  of  His  Resurrection. 

46 

O God,  Who  hast  wonderfully  created 
man,  and  more  wonderfully  redeemed  him: 
grant  us,  we  beseech  thee,  such  strength  of 
mind  and  reason  against  the  allurements  of 
sin,  that  we  may  deserve  to  obtain  eternal 
joys. 


Henten  Jlpmn 

"^OW,  with  the  slow  revolving  year, 
Again  the  Fast  we  greet 
Which  in  its  mystic  circle  moves 
Of  forty  days  complete. 

That  Fast,  by  Law  and  Prophet  taught. 
By  Jesus  Christ  restored; 

Jesus,  of  seasons  and  of  times 
The  Maker  and  the  Lord. 

Henceforth  more  sparing  let  us  be 
Of  food,  of  words,  of  sleep; 

Henceforth  beneath  a stricter  guard 
The  roving  senses  keep; 


— 28  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


And  let  us  shun  whatever  things 
Distract  the  careless  heart; 

And  let  us  shut  our  souls  against 
The  tyrant  tempter’s  art; 

And  weep  before  the  Judge,  and  strive 
His  vengeance  to  appease; 

Saying  to  Him  with  contrite  voice 
Upon  our  bended  knees: 

Much  have  we  sinned,  O Lord  I and  still 
We  sin  each  day  we  live; 

Yet  look  in  pity  from  on  high. 

And  of  Thy  grace  forgive. 

Remember  that  we  still  are  Thine, 
Though  of  a fallen  frame; 

And  take  not  from  us  in  Thy  wrath 
The  glory  of  Thy  name. 

Undo  past  evil;  grant  us.  Lord, 

More  grace  to  do  aright; 

So  may  we  now  and  ever  find 
Acceptance  in  Thy  sight. 

Blest  Trinity  in  Unityl 

Vouchsafe  us,  in  Thy  love. 

To  gather  from  these  fasts  below 
Immortal  fruit  above.  Amen. 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


^eben  ^penitential  ^sialm^ 

Antiphon.  Remember  not,  O Lord,  our  of- 
fenses, nor  those  of  our  parents;  neither 
take  Thou  revenge  of  our  sins. 

1.  Psalm  VI. 

^ LORD,  rebuke  me  not  in  Thine  anger: 
^ nor  chastise  me  in  Thy  wrath. 

Have  mercy  on  me,  O Lord,  for  I am 
weak:  heal  me,  O Lord,  for  my  bones  are 
troubled. 

My  soul  also  is  troubled  exceedingly:  but 
Thou,  0 Lord,  how  long? 

Turn  Thee,  0 Lord,  and  deliver  my  soul: 
O save  me  for  Thy  mercy’s  sake. 

For  in  death  there  is  no  one  that  is 
mindful  of  Thee:  and  who  will  give  Thee 
thanks  in  heU? 

I have  labored  in  my  groanings,  every 
night  will  I wash  my  bed:  and  water  my 
couch  with  my  tears. 

Mine  eye  is  troubled  through  indigna- 
tion: I have  grown  old  amongst  all  mine 
enemies. 

Depart  from  me,  all  ye  workers  of  iniq- 
uity: for  the  Lord  hath  heard  the  voice  of 
my  weeping. 

The  Lord  hath  heard  my  supplication: 
the  Lord  hath  received  my  prayer. 

— 30  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


Let  all  mine  enemies  be  put  to  shame, 
and  be  sore  troubled:  let  them  be  turned 
back,  and  put  to  shame  very  speedily. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  etc. 

2.  Psalm  XXXI. 

Blessed  are  they  whose  iniquities  are  for- 
given:  and  whose  sins  are  covered. 

Blessed  is  the  man  to  whom  the  Lord 
hath  not  imputed  sin:  and  in  whose  spirit 
there  is  no  guile. 

Because  I was  silent,  my  bones  grew 
old:  whilst  I cried  out  all  the  day  long. 

For  day  and  night  Thy  hand  was  heavy 
upon  me : I am  turned  in  my  anguish, 
whilst  the  thorn  is  fastened. 

I have  acknowledged  my  sin  unto  Thee: 
and  mine  iniquity  I have  not  concealed. 

I said,  I will  confess  against  myself  mine 
iniquity  unto  the  Lord:  and  Thou  hast  for- 
given the  wickedness  of  my  sin. 

For  this  shall  every  one  that  is  holy  pray 
to  Thee:  in  a seasonable  time. 

And  yet  in  a flood  of  many  waters:  they 
shall  not  come  nigh  unto  him. 

Thou  art  my  refuge  from  the  trouble 
which  hath  encompassed  me:  my  joy,  de- 
liver me  from  them  that  surround  me. 

I will  give  thee  understanding,  and  I 
will  instruct  thee  in  this  way,  in  which 


— 31  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


thou  shalt  go:  1 will  fix  Mine  eyes  upon 
thee. 

Be  not  as  the  horse  and  the  mule:  that 
haye  no  understanding. 

With  bit  and  bridle  bind  fast  their  jaws: 
who  come  not  near  unto  Thee. 

Many  are  the  scourges  of  the  sinner:  but 
mercy  shall  encompass  him  that  hopeth  in 
the  Lord. 

Be  glad  in  the  Lord  and  rejoice,  ye  just: 
and  be  joyful,  all  ye  that  are  right  of 
heart. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  etc. 

3.  Psalm  XXXVII. 

Rebuke  me  not,  O Lord,  in  Thine  indig- 
nation : neither  chasten  me  in  Thy  sore 
displeasure. 

For  Thine  arrows  are  fastened  in  me: 
and  Thy  hand  presseth  heavily  upon  me. 

There  is  no  health  in  my  flesh,  because 
of  Thy  wrath:  there  is  no  rest  for  my 
bones,  because  of  my  sins. 

For  mine  iniquities  are  gone  over  my 
head:  and  as  a heavy  burden  are  become 
heavy  upon  me. 

My  sores  have  rotted  and  are  corrupt: 
because  of  my  foolishness. 

I am  become  miserable,  and  am  greatly 


— 32  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


bowed  down:  I went  about  sorrowful  all 
the  day  long. 

For  my  loins  are  filled  with  illusions; 
and  there  is  no  soundness  in  my  flesh. 

I am  afflicted,  and  humbled  exceedingly: 
I have  roared  with  the  groaning  of  my 
heart. 

Lord,  all  my  desire  is  before  Thee:  and 
my  groaning  is  not  hid  from  Thee. 

My  heart  is  troubled,  my  strength  hath 
forsaken  me:  and  the  light  of  mine  eyes 
itself  is  not  with  me. 

My  friends  and  my  neighbors  have 
drawn  near:  and  stood  against  me. 

And  they  that  were  near  me  stood  afar 
off:  and  they  that  sought  after  my  soul 
used  violence. 

They  that  sought  my  hurt  spoke  vain 
things:  and  thought  upon  deceits  all  the 
day  long. 

But  I,  as  a deaf  man,  heard  not:  and  1 
was  as  a dumb  man  that  doth  not  open  his 
mouth. 

And  I became  as  a man  that  heareth  not: 
and  that  hath  no  reproofs  in  his  mouth. 

For  in  Thee,  0 Lord,  have  I hoped: 
Thou  wilt  hear  me,  0 Lord  my  God. 

For  I said.  Lest  at  any  time  mine  enemies 
rejoice  over  me:  and  whilst  my  feet  slip, 
they  glory  over  me. 


— 33 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


For  I am  ready  for  scourges:  and  my 
sorrow  is  continually  before  me. 

For  I will  declare  mine  iniquity:  and  I 
will  be  thoughtful  of  my  sin. 

But  mine  enemies  live,  and  are  stronger 
than  I:  and  they  that  hate  me  wrongfully 
are  multiplied. 

They  that  render  evil  for  good  have 
slandered  me:  because  I followed  good- 
ness. 

Forsake  me  not,  O Lord  my  God:  do  not 
Thou  depart  from  me. 

Give  heed  unto  my  help,  0 Lord:  Thou 
God  of  my  salvation. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  etc. 

4.  Psalm  L. 

Have  mercy  upon  me,  O God:  according 
to  Thy  great  mercy. 

And  according  to  the  multitude  of  Thy 
tender  mercies:  blot  out  my  iniquity. 

Wash  me  yet  more  from  my  iniquity: 
and  cleanse  me  from  my  sin. 

For  I acknowledge  my  iniquity:  and  my 
sin  is  always  before  me. 

Against  Thee  only  have  I sinned,  and 
done  evil  in  Thy  sight:  that  Thou  mayest 
be  justified  in  Thy  words,  and  mayest  over- 
come when  Thou  art  judged. 

For  behold,  I was  conceived  in  iniq- 


— 34  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


uities:  and  in  sins  did  my  mother  con- 
ceive me. 

For  behold,  Thou  hast  loved  truth:  the 
secret  and  hidden  things  of  Thy  wisdom 
Thou  hast  made  manifest  unto  me. 

Thou  shalt  sprinkle  me  with  hyssop,  and 
I shall  be  cleansed:  Thou  shalt  wash  me, 
and  I shall  be  made  whiter  than  snow. 

Thou  shalt  make  me  hear  of  joy  and 
gladness:  and  the  bones  that  were  hum- 
bled shall  rejoice. 

Turn  away  Thy  face  from  my  sins:  and 
blot  out  all  my  iniquities. 

Create  in  me  a clean  heart,  O God:  and 
renew  a right  spirit  within  me. 

Cast  me  not  away  from  Thy  face:  and 
take  not  Thy  Holy  Spirit  from  me. 

Restore  unto  me  the  joy  of  Thy  salva- 
tion: and  strengthen  me  with  a perfect 
spirit. 

I will  teach  the  unjust  Thy  ways:  and 
the  wicked  shall  be  converted  unto  Thee. 

Deliver  me  from  sins  of  blood,  O God, 
Thou  God  of  my  salvation:  and  my  tongue 
shall  extol  Thy  justice. 

Thou  shalt  open  my  lips,  O Lord:  and 
my  mouth  shall  declare  Thy  praise. 

For  if  Thou  hadst  desired  sacrifice,  I 
would  surely  have  given  it:  with  burnt- 
offerings  Thou  wilt  not  be  delighted. 


— 35  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


A sacrifice  unto  God  is  a troubled  spirit: 
a contrite  and  humble  heart,  O God,  Thou 
wilt  not  despise. 

Deal  favorably,  O Lord,  in  Thy  good 
will  with  Sion:  that  the  walls  of  Jerusalem 
may  be  built  up. 

Then  shalt  Thou  accept  the  sacrifice  of 
justice,  oblations,  and  whole  burnt-offer- 
ings: then  shall  they  lay  calves  upon  Thine 
altar. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  etc. 

5.  Psalm  CI. 

Hear  my  prayer,  O Lord:  and  let  my 
cry  come  unto  Thee. 

Turn  not  away  Thy  face  from  me:  in 
the  day  when  I am  in  trouble,  incline 
Thine  ear  unto  me. 

In  what  day  soever  I shall  call  upon 
Thee:  O hearken  unto  me  speedily. 

For  my  days  are  vanished  like  smoke: 
and  my  bones  are  dried  up  like  fuel  for 
the  fire. 

I am  smitten  as  grass,  and  my  heart  is 
withered:  for  I have  forgotten  to  eat  my 
bread. 

Through  the  voice  of  my  groaning:  my 
bones  have  cleaved  unto  my  flesh. 

I am  become  like  a pelican  in  the  wilder- 
ness: and  like  a night-raven  in  the  house. 


— 36  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


I have  watched,  and  am  become  like  a 
sparrow:  that  sitteth  alone  on  the  house- 
top. 

Mine  enemies  reviled  me  all  the  day 
long:  and  they  that  praised  me  have  sworn 
together  against  me. 

For  I have  eaten  ashes  as  it  were  bread: 
and  mingled  my  drink  with  weeping. 

Recause  of  Thine  indignation  and  wrath: 
for  Thou  hast  lifted  me  up  and  cast  me 
down. 

My  days  have  gone  down  like  a shadow: 
and  I am  withered  like  the  grass. 

Rut  Thou,  O Lord,  endurest  for  ever: 
and  Thy  memorial  unto  all  generations. 

Thou  shalt  arise,  and  have  mercy  upon 
Sion:  for  it  is  time  that  Thou  have  mercy 
upon  her;  yea,  the  time  is  come. 

For  Thy  servants  have  delighted  in  her 
stones:  and  they  shall  have  pity  on  the 
earth  thereof. 

And  the  Gentiles  shall  fear  Thy  name, 
0 Lord:  and  all  the  kings  of  the  earth  Thy 
glory. 

For  the  Lord  hath  built  up  Sion:  and 
He  shall  be  seen  in  His  glory. 

He  hath  had  regard  unto  the  prayer  of 
the  lowly:  and  hath  not  despised  their 
petition. 

Let  these  things  be  written  for  another 


— 37  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


generation:  and  the  people  that  shall  be 
created  shall  praise  the  Lord; 

For  He  hath  looked  down  from  His  high 
and  holy  place:  out  of  heaven  hath  the 
Lord  looked  upon  the  earth; 

That  He  might  hear  the  groaning  of 
them  that  are  in  fetters:  that  He  might  de- 
liver the  children  of  the  slain; 

That  they  may  declare  the  name  of  the 
Lord  in  Sion:  and  His  praise  in  Jerusalem. 

When  the  people  assembled  together: 
and  the  kings  to  serve  the  Lord. 

He  answered  him  in  the  way  of  his 
strength:  Declare  unto  me  the  fewness  of 
my  days. 

Call  me  not  away  in  the  midst  of  my 
days:  Thy  years  are  unto  generation  and 
generation. 

Thou,  Lord,  in  the  beginning  didst  lay 
the  foundation  of  the  earth:  and  the 
heavens  are  the  work  of  Thy  hands. 

They  shall  perish,  but  Thou  endurest: 
and  they  all  shall  grow  old  as  a garment. 

And  as  a vesture  shalt  Thou  change 
them,  and  they  shall  be  changed:  but  Thou 
art  the  same,  and  Thy  years  shall  not  fail. 

The  children  of  Thy  servants  shall  con- 
tinue: and  their  seed  shall  be  directed  for 
ever. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  etc. 


— 38  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


6.  Psalm  CXXIX. 

Out  of  the  depths  have  I cried  unto 
Thee,  O Lord:  Lord,  hear  my  voice. 

O let  Thine  ears  consider  well:  The 
voice  of  my  supplication. 

If  Thou,  0 Lord,  wilt  mark  iniquities: 
Lord,  who  shall  abide  it? 

For  with  Thee  there  is  merciful  forgive- 
ness: and  because  of  Thy  law  I have 
waited  for  Thee,  O Lord. 

My  soul  hath  waited  on  His  word:  my 
soul  hath  hoped  in  the  Lord. 

From  the  morning  watch  even  until 
night:  let  Israel  hope  in  the  Lord. 

For  with  the  Lord  there  is  mercy:  and 
with  Him  is  plenteous  redemption. 

And  he  shall  redeem  Israel:  from  all 
his  iniquities. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  etc. 

7.  Psalm  GXLII. 

Hear  my  prayer,  O Lord:  give  ear  to  my 
supplication  in  Thy  truth:  hearken  unto 
me  for  Thy  justice’  sake. 

And  enter  not  into  judgment  with  Thy 
servant : for  in  Thy  sight  shall  no  man 
living  be  justified. 

For  the  enemy  hath  persecuted  my  soul: 
he  hath  brought  my  life  down  unto  the 
ground. 


— 39  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


He  hath  made  me  to.  dwell  in  darkness 
as  those  that  have  been  long  dead:  and 
my  spirit  is  vexed  within  me;  my  heart 
within  me  is  troubled. 

I remembered  the  days  of  old,  I medi- 
tated on  all  Thy  works:  I have  mused 
upon  the  works  of  Thy  hands. 

I stretched  forth  my  hands  unto  Thee: 
my  soul  gaspeth  unto  Thee,  as  a land 
where  no  water  is. 

Hear  me  speedily,  0 Lord : my  spirit 
hath  fainted  away. 

Turn  not  away  Thy  face  from  me:  lest 
I be  like  unto  them  that  go  down  into  the 
pit. 

Make  me  to  hear  Thy  mercy  in  the  morn- 
ing: for  in  Thee  have  I hoped. 

Make  me  to  know  the  way  wherein  I 
should  walk:  for  to  Thee  have  I lifted  up 
my  soul. 

Deliver  me  from  mine  enemies,  O Lord, 
unto  Thee  have  I fled:  teach  me  to  do  Thy 
will,  for  Thou  art  my  God. 

Thy  good  spirit  shall  lead  me  into  the 
right  land:  for  Thy  name’s  sake,  O Lord, 
Thou  shalt  quicken  me  in  Thy  justice. 

Thou  shalt  bring  my  soul  out  of  trou- 
ble: and  in  Thy  mercy  Thou  shalt  destroy 
mine  enemies. 


— 40  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


And  Thou  shalt  destroy  all  them  that 
afflict  my  soul:  for  I am  Thy  servant. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  etc. 

AnL  Remember  not,  O Lord,  our  of- 
fenses, nor  those  of  our  parents;  neither 
take  Thou  revenge  of  our  sins. 


Stations;  of  tfje 

/.  Jesus  is  condemned  to  death. 

Thy  will,  O God,  is  supreme.  May  my 
one  great  purpose  be  to  follow  it. 

//.  Jesus  receives  the  Cross, 

Grant,  O divine  Saviour,  that  I may  faith- 
fully fulfill  every  duty  for  love  of  Thee. 

III,  Jesus  falls  the  first  time  under  the 

Cross, 

How  many  times,  O Lord,  have  I been 
faithless,  through  sin,  to  Thee. 

IV,  Jesus  is  met  by  His  Blessed  Mother, 
Mary,  my  Mother,  intercede  for  me  with 

Thy  Divine  Son. 

V,  The  Cross  is  laid  upon  Simon  of  Cyrene, 
Every  time  I resist  sin,  I help  Thee,  Jesus, 

to  carry  Thy  cross. 


— 41  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


YL  Veronica  wipes  the  face  of  Jesus, 

Thy  suffering  was  for  me.  I will  not 
desert  Thee,  but  always  defend  Thee. 

VIL  Jesus  falls  the  second  time. 

Forgive  me,  0 merciful  Lord,  my  many, 
my  repeated  sins. 

VIII.  Jesus  speaks  to  the  women  of  Jeru- 

salem. 

Thy  words  of  mercy  and  pardon  give 
me  fresh  hope  and  confidence. 

IX.  Jesus  falls  the  third  time. 

May  my  sins  never  discourage  me,  but 
lead  me  to  seek  more  and  more  Thy  help. 

X.  Jesus  is  stripped  of  His  garments. 

I will  be  Thy  faithful  follower.  My  con- 
duct will  never  shame  Thee  before  men. 

XL  Jesus  is  nailed  to  the  Cross. 

Thy  commands  mean  that  I should  con- 
quer every  unholy  desire.  I will  conquer 
in  Thy  name. 

XII.  Jesus  dies  on  the  Cross. 

When  my  hour  comes,  may  I die  bravely, 
dear  Jesus  for  Thee. 


— 42  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


XIIL  Jesus  is  taken  down  from  the  Cross, 

In  trial,  in  affliction,  in  the  hour  of  death. 
Thou,  0 Lord,  though  unseen,  wilt  always 
be  with  me. 

XIY.  Jesus  is  laid  in  the  sepulcher. 

Thee,  my  loving  Master,  will  I always 
serve.  With  Thee  I live,  and  with  Thee 
die. 

^eben  Wovh^  ®[pon  tfje  Cros(£( 

The  First  Word, 

l^ATHER,  FORGIVE  THEM,  FOR  THEY  KNOW 
^ NOT  WHAT  THEY  DO. 

V,  We  adore  Thee,  O Christ,  and  we 
bless  Thee. 

R,  Because  by  Thy  holy  Cross  Thou  hast 
redeemed  the  world. 

O beloved  Jesus,  Who  for  the  love  of 
me  didst  agonize  on  the  Cross  that  Thou 
mightest  pay  by  Thy  sufferings  the  debt 
due  to  my  sins,  and  didst  open  Thy  divine 
mouth  to  obtain  my  pardon  from  eternal 
Justice:  have  mercy  on  all  the  faithful  in 
their  agony,  and  on  me  also  when  I shall 
be  in  that  extremity,  and,  through  the 
merits  of  Thy  most  Precious  Blood  shed 
for  our  salvation,  give  us  so  lively  a sor- 
row for  our  sins  that  we  may  breathe  out 
our  souls  into  the  bosom  of  Thine  infinite 
mercy. 


— 43  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


Glory  be  to  the  Father,  three  times, 

V,  Have  mercy  on  us,  O Lord. 

R,  Have  mercy  on  us. 

O my  God,  I believe  in  Thee,  I hope  in 
Thee,  I love  Thee,  and  I repent  of  having 
offended  Thee  by  my  sins. 

The  Second  Word, 

tllHIS  DAY  THOU  SHALT  BE  WITH  Me  IN 
Paradise. 

V,  We  adore  Thee,  0 Christ,  and  we 
bless  Thee. 

R,  Because  by  Thy  holy  Cross  Thou  hast 
redeemed  the  world. 

O beloved  Jesus,  Who  for  the  love  of  me 
didst  agonize  on  the  Cross,  and  with  such 
readiness  and  bounty  didst  respond  to  the 
faith  of  the  Good  Thief,  who  in  the  midst 
of  Thy  humiliation  acknowledged  Thee  to 
be  the  Son  of  God:  O Thou  Who  didst  as- 
sure him  of  Paradise,  have  mercy  on  all 
the  faithful  in  their  agony,  and  on  me  also 
when  I shall  be  in  that  extremity,  and, 
through  the  merits  of  Thy  most  Precious 
Blood,  revive  in  our  souls  a faith  so  firm 
and  constant  that  it  may  not  waver  at  any 
suggestion  of  the  devil,  so  that  we  also 
may  obtain  the  blessed  reward  of  Heaven. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  three  times. 

Have  mercy,  etc. 


— 44  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


l"he  Third  Word. 

l^EHOLD  THY  son;  behold  thy  mother. 

V.  We  adore  Thee,  O Christ,  and  wt 
bless  Thee. 

/?.  Because  by  Thy  holy  Cross  Thou  hast 
redeemed  the  world. 

0 beloved  Jesus,  Who  for  the  love  of  me 
didst  agonize  on  the  Cross,  and,  forgetting 
Thy  sufferings,  didst  leave  us  as  a pledge 
of  Thy  love  Thine  own  most  holy  Mother, 
that  through  her  we  might  confidently 
have  recourse  to  Thee  in  our  greatest 
need : have  mercy  on  all  the  faithful  in 
their  agony,  and  on  me  also  when  I shall 
be  in  that  extremity,  and,  through  the  inte- 
rior martyrdom  of  this  Thy  dear  Mother, 
awaken  in  our  hearts  a firm  hope  in  the 
infinite  merits  of  Thy  most  Precious  Blood, 
that  we  may  avoid  the  eternal  damnation 
which  our  sins  have  deserved. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  three  times. 

Have  mercy,  etc. 

The  Fourth  Word, 

iy|Y  God  I My  God  I why  hast  Thou  for- 
SAKEN  Me? 

V,  We  adore  Thee,  O Christ,  and  we 
bless  Thee. 

R,  Because  by  Thy  holy  Cross  Thou  hast 
redeemed  the  world. 


— 45  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


O beloved  Jesus,  Who  for  the  love  of  me 
didst  agonize  on  the  Cross,  and,  heaping 
suffering  on  suffering,  didst  endure  with 
infinite  patience  not  only  Thy  many  bodily 
tortures,  but  the  most  heavy  affliction  of 
spirit  through  the  Dereliction  of  Thine 
Eternal  Father : have  mercy  on  all  the 
faithful  in  their  agony,  and  on  me  also 
when  I shall  be  in  that  extremity,  and, 
through  the  merits  of  Thy  most  Precious 
Rlood,  give  us  grace  to  suffer  with  true 
patience  all  the  pains  and  afflictions  of  our 
agony,  that,  uniting  them  with  Thine,  we 
may  be  partakers  of  Thy  glory  in  Paradise. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  three  times. 

Have  mercy,  etc. 

The  Fifth  Word. 

T THIRST. 

^ V.  We  adore  Thee,  O Christ,  and  we 
bless  Thee. 

R.  Because  by  Thy  holy  Cross  Thou  hast 
redeemed  the  world. 

O beloved  Jesus,  Who  didst  agonize  on 
the  Cross  for  the  love  of  me,  and  Who, 
not  satisfied  with  all  the  ignominy  and 
suffering,  wouldst  willingly  have  suffered 
yet  more,  so  that  all  men  might  be  saved 
— as  was  clearly  proved  when  all  the  tor- 
rents of  Thy  Passion  would  not  allay  the 


— 46  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


Thirst  of  Thy  tender  Heart:  have  mercy 
on  all  the  faithful  in  their  agony,  and  on 
me  also  when  I shall  he  in  that  extremity, 
and,  through  the  merits  of  Thy  most  Pre- 
cious Rlood,  enkindle  such  a fire  of  charity 
in  our  hearts  as  may  cause  them  to  burn 
with  the  desire  of  uniting  themselves  to 
Thee  for  all  eternity. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  three  times. 

Have  mercy,  etc. 

The  Sixth  Word. 

TT  IS  CONSUMMATED 

^ V.  We  adore  Thee,  0 Christ,  and  we 
bless  Thee. 

E.  Because  by  Thy  holy  Cross  Thou  hast 
redeemed  the  world. 

O beloved  Jesus,  Who  for  the  love  of  me 
didst  agonize  on  the  Cross,  and  from  that 
Throne  of  Truth  didst  announce  the  com- 
pletion of  the  work  of  our  Redemption, 
through  which,  from  being  the  children  of 
wrath  and  perdition,  we  are  become  the 
children  of  God  and  the  heirs  of  Heaven: 
have  mercy  on  all  the  faithful  in  their 
agony,  and  on  me  also  when  I shall  be  in 
that  extremity,  and,  through  the  merits  of 
Thy  most  Precious  Blood,  detach  us  en- 
tirely from  the  world  and  from  ourselves, 
and  at  the  moment  of  our  agony  give  us 


— 47  — 


SELECTED  PRAYERS  FOR  LENT 


grace  sincerely  to  offer  Thee  the  sacrifice 
of  our  life  in  expiation  of  our  sins. 

Glory  he  to  the  Father,  three  times. 

Have  mercy,  etc. 

The  Seventh  Word. 

FATHER,  INTO  Thy  hands  I commend  My 

SPIRIT. 

V.  We  adore  Thee,  O Christ,  and  we 
bless  Thee. 

R.  Because  hy  Thy  holy  Cross  Thou  hast 
redeemed  the  world. 

O beloved  Jesus,  Who  didst  agonize  on 
the  Cross  for  the  love  of  me,  and  Who,  in 
completing  this  great  Sacrifice,  didst  ac- 
cept the  will  of  Thine  Eternal  Father,  by 
resigning  Thy  spirit  into  His  hands,  and 
then  bowing  Thy  Head  and  dying:  have 
mercy  on  all  the  faithful  in  their  agony, 
and  on  me  also  when  1 shall  be  in  that  ex- 
tremity, and,  through  the  merits  of  Thy 
most  Precious  Blood,  give  us,  in  our  agony, 
ai  entire  conformity  to  the  divine  will, 
th  it  we  may  be  ready  either  to  live  or  die 
according  as  it  shall  best  please  Thee,  de- 
siring nothing  but  the  accomplishment  of 
Thy  blessed  will  in  us. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  three  times. 

Have  mercy,  etc. 


— 48  — 


Two  Excellent  Pamphlets  on 
n^he  fPay  of  the  ^ross 


ions 


of  the  Cross 


John  Henry  Cardinal 
Newman 

Most  impressive  and  in- 
spiring are  these  medi- 
tations on  the  Four- 
teen Stations.  The 
beautiful  illustra- 
tions lend  an  add- 
ed charm,  mak- 
ing this  little 
book  an  ap- 
pealing one  to 
every  Cath- 
olic. 

5c;  $3.50 

per  100; 
$30.00 
per 
1,000 


A Religious  of  the  Cenacle  ' 

These  touching  meditations  will 
leave  a lasting  impression  on 
the  heart  of  every  child  who 
reads  them  and  instill  therein  a 
love  of  the  great  devotion  of 
The  Way  of  the  Cross  that  will 
linger  through  the  years.  Beau- 
tifully illustrated. 

5c  each;  $3.50  per  100; 
$30.00  per  1,000 

All  orders  for  less  than  $1.00 
MUST  be  accompanied 
by  remittance 

Carriage  Extra  On  All  Orders 

THE  PAULIST  PRESS 
401  West  59th  Street 
New  York,  N.  Y. 


..^^5 


